Research Laboratory Manager
Posted Sep 8, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
This role is the operational hub of a preclinical neuroscience laboratory in anesthesia and critical care. What laboratory management have you done?
What they are checking: Whether they have managed lab operations before, since this role keeps purchasing, safety, compliance and staff running for the whole lab.
You'd handle onboarding logistics, safety training verification and daily supervision of researchers and staff. How do you train someone new into a lab's way of doing things?
What they are checking: Whether they can train newcomers clearly and confirm safety training is complete, so people learn the lab's methods correctly from the start.
The posting says you'd support data collection, conduct literature reviews and help write reports and manuscripts. How much of the science do you want to be in?
What they are checking: Whether they are honest about how much they want to do science versus operations, so expectations match the real balance of the job.
What would you do
A member of the lab is not following a documented procedure. How do you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they can address procedure problems directly and respectfully, even with researchers who outrank them in the lab.
The posting asks for a degree with two to five years of related experience, and prefers a master's degree and at least two years in laboratory management or research administration. Where do you sit, and what would you want to know about the lab before you took it?
What they are checking: Whether they meet the stated requirements and ask good questions about the lab, people and workload before deciding to join.
About the work
You'd oversee purchasing, supply inventories, vendor relations and equipment maintenance schedules. How would you set up ordering so the lab never runs out and never overspends?
What they are checking: Whether they can build a practical ordering system that prevents shortages and waste, keeping experiments moving within the budget.
The posting says you would become the primary operational lead for protocols, records and inspections. How do you prepare a laboratory for an inspection?
What they are checking: Whether they keep records and protocols inspection-ready all year, since a poor inspection can halt research or threaten approvals.
You'd manage vivarium operations and colony management compliance, and the posting states a willingness to work with rodents and assist with experiments involving rats. Where does your experience sit on animal work?
What they are checking: Whether they are truly comfortable working with rodents and experiments involving rats, since this is a firm requirement of the job.
Colony management goes wrong quietly — breeding falls behind or numbers drift. How would you track it?
What they are checking: Whether they understand that breeding problems build slowly, and would use regular tracking so studies always have the animals they need.
You'd organize lab documentation and data storage and keep operational protocols current. How do you make records findable a year later?
What they are checking: Whether they create clear systems for naming and storing data, since research labs often lose results through poor record keeping.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by University of Chicago.